'I do': New state law permits county clerks to perform marriage ceremony

November 20, 2006|By James Martinez, Staff Writer

OTSEGO COUNTY - When Clerk Suzy DeFeyter took the job, marrying couples was not something she expected to do.

After learning of Michigan legislation taking effect Sept. 29 allowing county clerks to perform legal marriages, that may be exactly what she does.

"I was surprised myself, but I wanted to be prepared to have that fee in place if anyone asked me, in case they were in a pinch," said DeFeyter, who noted the law allows her to perform the service but is not mandatory.

The Board of Commissioners unanimously agreed at their Nov. 9 meeting to set a fee for any marriages conducted by DeFeyter.

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Elected in 2004, DeFeyter said she had not expressed a desire to conduct the weddings, but wanted to be available if that was the wedding path residents chose or were unable to use a magistrate for some reason.

The Board set the maximum fee at $20, but DeFeyter has yet to have any requests for the service.

According to DeFeyter, people can still be married by the Gaylord mayor and county magistrate in addition to herself, if people do not choose to be married by clergy.

"I'm sure I will be (nervous) if I ever have to do one, but it's something to help the public out," said DeFeyter.